9 things to know about Becky Hammon

Updated 11:55 am, Wednesday, August 6, 2014

WNBA star Becky Hammon is the first female full-time assistant coach in the NBA. Click through the gallery for 9 things you probably didn't know about her.

WNBA star Becky Hammon is the first female full-time assistant coach in the NBA. Click through the gallery for 9 things you probably didn't know about her.

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Express-News

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1. Becky Hammon became the first female full-time, paid assistant coach in the NBA after she was hired by the Spurs on Aug. 5, 2014. Hammon will also be the first full-time female coach in any North American male professional sports league. less

1. Becky Hammon became the first female full-time, paid assistant coach in the NBA after she was hired by the Spurs on Aug. 5, 2014. Hammon will also be the first full-time female coach in any North American ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

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2. Hammon is a longtime standout player for the San Antonio Stars and was named one of the Top 15 Players in WNBA history in 2011.

2. Hammon is a longtime standout player for the San Antonio Stars and was named one of the Top 15 Players in WNBA history in 2011.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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3. Coach Gregg Popovich said Hammon's hiring was based on her knowledge, not her gender, after announcing the hire. "Having observed her working with our team this past season, I'm confident her basketball IQ, work eithic and interpersonal skills will be a great benefit to the Spurs," he said. less

3. Coach Gregg Popovich said Hammon's hiring was based on her knowledge, not her gender, after announcing the hire. "Having observed her working with our team this past season, I'm confident her basketball IQ, ... more

Photo: Robin Jerstad / For The Express-News

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4. Hammon, who played in Russia during the offseason, won a bronze medal while playing for the country in the 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 11, 2012, in London, England. Hammon became a Russian citizen after not being invited to the U.S. Olympic team. less

4. Hammon, who played in Russia during the offseason, won a bronze medal while playing for the country in the 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 11, 2012, in London, England. Hammon became a Russian citizen after not ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen, Getty Images

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5. Hammon caught a baby bonnethead shark while fishing in Florida during the 2009 offseason.

5. Hammon caught a baby bonnethead shark while fishing in Florida during the 2009 offseason.

Photo: COURTESY PHOTO

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6. Born in South Dakota in 1977, Hammon's father was her first basketball mentor. She averaged more than 25 points per game her senior year at Stevens High School and played college ball at Colorado State University. less

6. Born in South Dakota in 1977, Hammon's father was her first basketball mentor. She averaged more than 25 points per game her senior year at Stevens High School and played college ball at Colorado State ... more

Photo: The Denver Post, Getty Images

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7. Hammon was undrafted out of college and was signed by the New York Liberty in 1999.

7. Hammon was undrafted out of college and was signed by the New York Liberty in 1999.

Photo: Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

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8. Hammon announced her plans to retire in 2014 after playing 16 seasons in the WNBA and the last eight with the Stars. She was chosen for the All-Star team seven times and is the Stars' career leader in assists, 3-pointers and points per game. less

8. Hammon announced her plans to retire in 2014 after playing 16 seasons in the WNBA and the last eight with the Stars. She was chosen for the All-Star team seven times and is the Stars' career leader in ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News

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9. Hammon dealt with a slew of injuries during her lengthy career in the WNBA, including a torn ACL and a broken middle finger that have sidelined her in recent seasons.

9. Hammon dealt with a slew of injuries during her lengthy career in the WNBA, including a torn ACL and a broken middle finger that have sidelined her in recent seasons.

Photo: For The Express-News

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Becky Hammon, who spent time with the Spurs in the past, now has a
regular spot on Gregg Popovich's bench. Click ahead for more photos of her career.

Becky Hammon, who spent time with the Spurs in the past, now has a
regular spot on Gregg Popovich's bench. Click ahead for more photos of her career.

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Six-time All-Star Becky Hammon was voted one of the WNBA's top 15 players of all time.

Six-time All-Star Becky Hammon was voted one of the WNBA's top 15 players of all time.

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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Becky Hammon, pictured with Spurs director of communications Tom James, is a perfect fit to join the diverse NBA team.

Becky Hammon, pictured with Spurs director of communications Tom James, is a perfect fit to join the diverse NBA team.

Photo: Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

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The Sun's Kelly Faris (left) and the Stars' Becky Hammon chase a loose ball during the first half Friday at the AT&T Center. Hammon drained a 3-pointer for her only points of the game.

The Sun's Kelly Faris (left) and the Stars' Becky Hammon chase a loose ball during the first half Friday at the AT&T Center. Hammon drained a 3-pointer for her only points of the game.

Becky Hammon, right, embraces teammate Jia Perkins of the San Antonio Silver Stars after Perkins scored despite being fouled during WNBA action against the Seattle Storm at the AT&T Center on Saturday, Sept. 3, ... more

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Becky Hammon of the San Antonio Silver Stars penetrates by Tanisha Wright of the Seattle Storm during WNBA action at the AT&T Center on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net
Seattle Storm at San Antonio Silver Stars less

Becky Hammon of the San Antonio Silver Stars penetrates by Tanisha Wright of the Seattle Storm during WNBA action at the AT&T Center on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net ... more

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Fans hold signs in support of San Antonio Silver Stars' Becky Hammon during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Washington Mystics, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 82-74. (Darren Abate/Special to the Express-News) less

Fans hold signs in support of San Antonio Silver Stars' Becky Hammon during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Washington Mystics, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, in San Antonio. San Antonio won ... more

Photo: SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

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San Antonio Silver Stars' Becky Hammon reacts after Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal with the Minnesota Lynx Sunday Sept. 18, 2011 at the AT&T Center. The Silver Stars won 84-75. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) less

San Antonio Silver Stars' Becky Hammon reacts after Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal with the Minnesota Lynx Sunday Sept. 18, 2011 at the AT&T Center. The Silver Stars won 84-75. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ... more

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Becky Hammon jumps in to pose with Sophia Young as the Silver Stars participate in media day at the AT&T Center on May 16, 2012. Tom Reel/ San Antonio Express-News

Becky Hammon jumps in to pose with Sophia Young as the Silver Stars participate in media day at the AT&T Center on May 16, 2012. Tom Reel/ San Antonio Express-News

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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Stars' Becky Hammon celebrates after a score and being fouled by Dream's Aneika Henry (not pictured) during first half action Friday, July 13, 2012 at the AT&T Center.

Stars' Becky Hammon celebrates after a score and being fouled by Dream's Aneika Henry (not pictured) during first half action Friday, July 13, 2012 at the AT&T Center.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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Australian guard Jennifer Screen (back) challenges Russian guard Becky Hammon during the London 2012 Olympic Games women's bronze medal basketball game between Australia and Russia at the North Greenwich Arena in London on August 11, 2012. AFP PHOTO /TIMOTHY A. CLARYTIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/GettyImages less

Australian guard Jennifer Screen (back) challenges Russian guard Becky Hammon during the London 2012 Olympic Games women's bronze medal basketball game between Australia and Russia at the North Greenwich Arena ... more

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

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Becky Hammon of the San Antonio Stars fends off a defender as she dribbles the ball during WNBA action in the AT&T Center on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

Becky Hammon of the San Antonio Stars fends off a defender as she dribbles the ball during WNBA action in the AT&T Center on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

Becky Hammon #9 of Russia reacts after hitting a three point shot against Great Britain during the Women's Basketball Preliminary Round match on Day 5 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Basketball Arena on August 1, 2012 in London, England. (Christian Petersen / Getty Images) less

Becky Hammon #9 of Russia reacts after hitting a three point shot against Great Britain during the Women's Basketball Preliminary Round match on Day 5 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Basketball Arena on ... more

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Becky Hammon, who has played for years in the WNBA, sits behind the bench by Spurs player Manu Ginobili at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014.

Becky Hammon, who has played for years in the WNBA, sits behind the bench by Spurs player Manu Ginobili at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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WNBA veteran Becky Hammon watches warmups before the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs game in the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014.

WNBA veteran Becky Hammon watches warmups before the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs game in the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014.

San Antonio Silver Stars' Becky Hammon, right, and Los Angeles Sparks' Jenna O'Hea look at a loose ball during game 1 of a WNBA Western Conference Semifinal in Los Angeles, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012. The Sparks won 93-86. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less

San Antonio Silver Stars' Becky Hammon, right, and Los Angeles Sparks' Jenna O'Hea look at a loose ball during game 1 of a WNBA Western Conference Semifinal in Los Angeles, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012. The Sparks ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Becky Hammon during Silver Stars media day, Thursday May 16, 2013.

Becky Hammon during Silver Stars media day, Thursday May 16, 2013.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Stars guard Becky Hammon (25) tangles with Washington Mystics guard Kara Lawson (20) as she dribbles in the fourth quarter at the Verizon Center in Washington, Sunday, June 29, 2014. The Stars defeated the Mystics, 73-65. (Chuck Myers/MCT) less

San Antonio Stars guard Becky Hammon (25) tangles with Washington Mystics guard Kara Lawson (20) as she dribbles in the fourth quarter at the Verizon Center in Washington, Sunday, June 29, 2014. The Stars ... more

Photo: McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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FILE - In this April 30, 2014, file photo, San Antonio Stars' Becky Hammon walks off the court following Game 5 of the opening-round NBA basketball playoff series between the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks in San Antonio. The Spurs have hired Hammon as an assistant coach, making her the first woman to join an NBA coaching staff. The Spurs made the announcement Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014. Hammon plans to retire from the San Antonio Silver Stars after this season. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) less

FILE - In this April 30, 2014, file photo, San Antonio Stars' Becky Hammon walks off the court following Game 5 of the opening-round NBA basketball playoff series between the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas ... more

Photo: Associated Press

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Becky Hammon steps into the portrait area as the Stars hold media day at the AT&T Center May 9, 2014.

Becky Hammon steps into the portrait area as the Stars hold media day at the AT&T Center May 9, 2014.

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Becky Hammon is surrounded by forwards Jayne Appel (left) and Danielle Adams as the Stars hold media day at the AT&T Center May 9, 2014.

Becky Hammon is surrounded by forwards Jayne Appel (left) and Danielle Adams as the Stars hold media day at the AT&T Center May 9, 2014.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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Silver Stars' Becky Hammon (right) goes to the basket against Los Angeles Sparks' Jenna O'Hea (06) in the second half at the AT&T Center on Friday, June 24, 2011. Hammon scored 22 points as the Silver Stars defeated the Sparks, 90-80, in overtime. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net less

Silver Stars' Becky Hammon (right) goes to the basket against Los Angeles Sparks' Jenna O'Hea (06) in the second half at the AT&T Center on Friday, June 24, 2011. Hammon scored 22 points as the Silver Stars ... more

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, --

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Silver Stars' Becky Hammon winces after colliding with a Phoenix Mercury player in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at the AT&T Center on Saturday, August 28, 2010. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

Silver Stars' Becky Hammon winces after colliding with a Phoenix Mercury player in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at the AT&T Center on Saturday, August 28, 2010. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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FOR SPORTS - Silver Stars' Becky Hammon takes in the sights on the sidelines during Dallas Cowboys afternoon practice Monday Aug. 10, 2009 at the Alamodome. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) less

FOR SPORTS - Silver Stars' Becky Hammon takes in the sights on the sidelines during Dallas Cowboys afternoon practice Monday Aug. 10, 2009 at the Alamodome. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ... more

19 Jul 2000: Becky Hammon #25 of the New York Liberty runs with the ball during the game against the Seattle Storm at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Liberty defeated the Storm 78-55. Credit:

19 Jul 2000: Becky Hammon #25 of the New York Liberty runs with the ball during the game against the Seattle Storm at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Liberty defeated the Storm 78-55. Credit:

San Antonio Stars' Becky Hammon reacts after a play as the Connecticut Sun's Katie Douglas walks past during second half action Friday Aug. 1, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Sun won 89-79.

San Antonio Stars' Becky Hammon reacts after a play as the Connecticut Sun's Katie Douglas walks past during second half action Friday Aug. 1, 2014 at the AT&T Center. The Sun won 89-79.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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9 things to know about Becky Hammon

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SAN ANTONIO - WNBA star Becky Hammon made history on Tuesday, becoming the first full-time, salaried female assistant coach in a North American male professional sports league, when hired by the Spurs.

Get to know the newest member of the Spurs coaching staff in the gallery above with nine things you might not have known about Hammon.

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